St John of God’s Denis Byrne and Darren Rogers hand over a cheque for $2000 to Righteous Pups operations manager Jenny Atkins and labrador Ella. Picture: Jodie Donnellan
LOCAL organisation Righteous Pups Australia recently received a donation of $2000 from St John of God hospital.
The gesture is part of the hospital’s mission to be more involved in the local community, with a particular focus on disability, access and inclusion.
“We are aware that there are a number of disability groups out in the community and Righteous Pups is one that is really under resourced,” St John of God hospital director of mission Denis Byrne said.
“As a hospital (Righteous Pups) fits in really well with our mission and values.”
Righteous Pups Australia is a non-profit organisation, that provides support to young people with a disability by training autism assistance dogs.
Managing director of Righteous Pups Australia Joanne Baker said the money would go towards putting a new pup through the training program.
She praised the hospital’s approach in supporting local organisations that worked towards empowering young people with a disability.
“Both organisations see that there is a lot of importance that needs to be placed on community and coming together with their resources,” Ms Baker said.
St John of God hospital launched its disability, access and inclusion plan late last year in a bid to provide more access and support to people living with a disability.
Mr Byrne said as part of the plan the hospital would strive to become an employer of choice for people living with a disability in the community.
“We want our services in the hospital and located out in the community to be more disability-friendly and accessible for individuals and families,” he said.
“It is really important for us.”
